METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MARKING CONTAINERS USING LASER LIGHT

摘要

A portion (118) or component (116) of a metal container (112) is provided with markings (114) or indicia using laser light (218). High-speed laser steering is used to position laser light or laser light pulses across a lateral and longitudinal extent in a relatively short time period selected so as to avoid slowing, stopping or otherwise interfering with other container or container component production processes. Tab stock (116) for container-opening tabs can be provided with 6 to 9 visible characters within 50 to 100 milliseconds. The size and resolution provided by the pulses are sufficient to permit legible and attractive formation of any standard typewriter characters, as well as other logos, designs, textures, backgrounds, or similar features.